For Callie Kocher ’25, the letter C stands for many things: Callie, Castilleja and—most importantly—community. When asked about her biggest influences at Castilleja, Kocher had an immediate answer: “My friends. [They] are really driven [and] just great people to be around [and] really funny.” She added, “The people that you surround yourself with are a reflection of who you are.”
On top of her friends, Kocher has built strong connections with students in other grades through serving as a peer advisor. “I had a great time getting to know my freshman [advisees],” Kocher said. As a peer advisor, Kocher has also gotten to know faculty better, especially her freshman advisory’s advisor, Upper School Dean of Students Alexis Richardson Pagnia.
Kocher values these relationships with her teachers and encourages students to “get to know your teachers.” Kocher’s teachers have taught her “[to not] be afraid to ask questions,” creating a supportive learning environment. She added, “[If] you don’t understand something, go ask the teacher for help. At Casti, teachers want to help you succeed, and when you ask them for help, it shows you care, and you [can build] a relationship with them.”
Besides her inter-grade and student-teacher relationships, Kocher has found herself in one of the strongest communities at Castilleja: the sisterhood of the Class of 2025. Although the Class of 2025’s time at Casti has come to a close, the grade’s bond has left Kocher with unforgettable memories.
“In my [11th-grade] class meeting in the Black Box Theater, we were all chanting for pasta. Someone in the admin department was there, and literally the next day, we had pasta for lunch. I’m never going to forget the unity our class shared right there,” Kocher said. While pasta may seem like a minor thing, this story shows the teamwork and care that are central to the Class of 2025.
One of Kocher’s favorite pastimes is working out, including anything from running to going to the gym. “I find peace in moving my body on a daily basis,” Kocher said. Kocher ran cross-country and track during her time at Castilleja, making friends and strengthening connections across grades. She also bonds with her friends by going on hikes, walking the Dish and doing workout classes together. The supportive community she has built has helped Kocher accomplish her goals. Kocher and three of her friends are planning to run the San Francisco half marathon this summer. “Shout out to Natalie Goler, Mallika Patel, and Naya [Sangoram].”
Next year, Kocher plans to attend the University of Southern California and major in Health and Human Sciences. However, like her love for all kinds of fitness, she plans to explore everything USC has to offer: “Since USC is such an interdisciplinary school, I’m going to consider taking classes in the business school or education classes to really understand what I want to study.” Kocher’s key role in the Castilleja community will leave a lasting impact on our school and is sure to follow her through her time at USC and beyond.
